5G is marketed as blazing fast, and it can be. But the speed you get depends on the type of 5G, your location, your device and your plan. Here is what 5G speed really looks like in practice, and why your results may vary.
What speed does 5G actually deliver?
5G speeds range widely. On a good mid-band connection, you might see 100 to 400 Mbps. On mmWave in a dense urban area, speeds can exceed 1 Gbps. On low-band 5G, which covers large areas, speeds may be only 30 to 100 Mbps, barely faster than a good 4G connection.
Real-world vs theoretical speeds
The numbers in ads are theoretical peaks. Real-world speeds are lower because of distance from the tower, obstacles, network congestion and the capabilities of your phone. A speed test at home at night will differ from one in a crowded stadium at noon.
5G vs 4G speed comparison
- 4G LTE: typically 20 to 50 Mbps, sometimes up to 100 Mbps.
- 5G low-band: 30 to 100 Mbps, similar to good 4G.
- 5G mid-band: 100 to 400 Mbps, the sweet spot for most users.
- 5G mmWave: 1 Gbps or more, but only within a few hundred metres of a tower.
What affects your 5G speed
- Band type: low, mid or mmWave, as above.
- Distance and obstacles: walls, glass and buildings weaken the signal, especially mmWave.
- Congestion: more users on the same tower means lower speeds.
- Your device: not all phones support all 5G bands. Check your phone’s specifications.
- Your plan: some plans cap or throttle 5G speed.
- Network mode: make sure your phone is set to 5G/4G auto, not locked to 4G.
How to test your 5G speed
- Connect to 5G (check the icon on your phone).
- Close other apps and pause downloads.
- Run a speed test using an app like Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com.
- Test at different times and locations.
- Compare with a 4G test on the same device.
How to improve your 5G speed
- Move closer to a window or outdoors.
- Switch to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band if you are on Wi-Fi.
- Restart your phone.
- Check that your plan includes 5G and is not throttled.
- Update your phone’s software.
- Try a different location or time of day.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5G always faster than 4G?
Not always. Low-band 5G can be similar to good 4G. Mid-band and mmWave 5G are clearly faster.
Why is my 5G speed slow?
Common reasons are low-band coverage, congestion, distance from the tower, obstacles, or a throttled plan. Test in different locations and times.
Does 5G speed depend on my phone?
Yes. Older or cheaper phones may support fewer 5G bands, which limits the speed you can get.
